The Joy of Why What Is the Nature of Time?
Feb 29, 2024
In this conversation, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Frank Wilczek explores the perplexing nature of time. He unpacks the idea that time may be an illusion, contrasting personal experiences with its scientific definitions. The discussion highlights Einstein's revolutionary impact on our understanding of time and links it intriguingly to dark matter through the concept of axions. Wilczek also reflects on the critical role of accurate timekeeping in scientific breakthroughs and the future potential of time research.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Wilczek's Anniversaries
- Frank Wilczek reflects on his 50th anniversary of both his first scientific paper and his marriage.
- These anniversaries prompted reflection on time's passage and revisiting those moments.
Time in Physics
- Time in physics equations acts as the master variable, unfolding the world.
- We can discuss time's properties, like symmetry, independently of the things it acts upon.
Arrows of Time
- Several "arrows of time" exist, indicating time's irreversibility in various ways.
- These include psychological phenomena, thermodynamics, radiation, and life's evolution.